Poisoning & Toxicity
Article
Fescue Grass Toxicity in Broodmares
During the breeding and foaling season, lush fescue pastures could create problems for pregnant mares.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Article
Oleander Poisoning: A Preventable Illness
Oleanders contain numerous toxic compounds which can be deadly to people and animals--including horses.
Photo by UC Davis Center for Equine Health Horse Report
Article
Weed of the Month: Eastern Poison Ivy
Horses are not sensitive to poison ivy, but can transfer the irritating urushiol oil to humans.
Photo by University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture
Article
New Study Links Sycamore Tree to Atypical Myopathy
June 19, 2013
Toxins from the seeds of the sycamore tree are the likely cause of atypical myopathy.... Read More
Article
Fescue Grass Toxicity in Broodmares
May 19, 2013
During the breeding and foaling season, lush fescue pastures could create problems for pregnant mares.... Read More
Article
Oleander Poisoning: A Preventable Illness
May 01, 2013
Oleanders contain numerous toxic compounds which can be deadly to people and animals--including horses.... Read More
Article
Few Clues in Alleged Pennsylvania Horse Poisonings
April 11, 2013
Law enforcement authorities continue to be stymied by the alleged poising of nine horses in Pennsylvania. ... Read More
Article
Pennsylvania Police Probe Alleged Horse Poisonings
April 02, 2013
Police are hoping the public can help unravel a mystery surrounding nine alleged horse poisonings.... Read More
Article
Alltech Launches Five-Point Mycotoxin Management Program
March 09, 2013
Exposure to certain mycotoxins can cause a number of serious health problems for horses, including death.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Eastern Poison Ivy
January 26, 2013
Horses are not sensitive to poison ivy, but can transfer the irritating urushiol oil to humans.... Read More
Article
Using Mature Hay for Bedding: Potential for Tall Fescue Toxicity
January 24, 2013
Ergovaline levels over 200 ppb (parts per billion) in mature hay can cause fescue toxicity in pregnant mares.... Read More
Article
Link Identified between Tree Seed and Seasonal Pasture Myopathy
January 16, 2013
Seeds from box elder trees were consistently present in the autumn pastures of all horses studied.... Read More
Article
Toxic Weeds Likely Behind the Deaths of 19 BLM Horses
December 17, 2012
Preliminary results from Colorado State University suggests ingestion of the plant caused the horses' deaths.... Read More
Article
Simultaneous Ivermectin and Solanum Plant Poisoning in Horses
December 07, 2012
Horses consuming Solanum plants could be at risk for ivermectin toxicity, even if the drug is dosed correctly.... Read More
Article
UK to Host 2013 Equine Showcase, Breeders' Short Course
December 04, 2012
The programs will highlight industry research findings, reproduction topics, and horse management issues.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Common Milkweed
November 16, 2012
Common milkweed produces cardiac-glycosides that are toxic to horses and can cause death within 24 hours.... Read More
Article
Could Endophyte-Infected Fescue Cause Lameness in Horses?
November 06, 2012
Researchers observed noticeable lameness in horses consuming high levels of endophyte-infected seeds and hay.... Read More
Article
Fluoridated Water and Horses
October 14, 2012
Studies are needed to determine safe limits of fluoride in feed and water for horses.... Read More
Article
Horse Owners Warned that Ragwort in UK "Worse than Ever"
October 07, 2012
Ragwort is a poisonous weed for horses which results resulting in liver damage and, sometimes, death.... Read More
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UK Graduate Student Spotlight: Daniel Hestad
September 29, 2012
Hestad studied how endophyte-infected tall fescue seed ingestion would affect nonpregnant mares.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Bitter Sneezeweed
September 26, 2012
This plant contains toxins that can cause digestive issues, appetite loss, and neurologic problems in horses.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Wild Carrot
August 25, 2012
Mild neurotoxicity to horses was reported in Europe but is not considered a serious threat in North America.... Read More
Article
Toxin Topic: Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
July 28, 2012
Most animals exposed to these algae toxins die suddenly. Treatment is supportive care based on clinical signs.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Johnsongrass
July 23, 2012
Johnsongrass is a coarse-textured perennial grass that grows well in pastures, gardens, fields, and roadsides.... Read More
Article
High Blister Beetle Numbers Reported in Texas
July 09, 2012
Reports indicate a higher than usual number of blister beetles, which are toxic to horses, in some areas.... Read More
Article
Making Sense of Mycotoxins
June 29, 2012
Mycotoxin exposure in horses, caused by feed contaminated with fungi, can be dangerous or fatal.... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Red Maple
March 23, 2012
Red maple is a valued landscaping tree in the eastern United States and Canada but is also toxic to horses.... Read More
Article
Equine NSAID Use: Indications and Complications
March 21, 2012
Even when NSAIDs are used appropriately, the drugs can still prove damaging to the patient.... Read More
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Farm Call: Your Questions Answered
Sunburn Solutions
Q. My neighbor has a major problem with sunburn on her Appaloosa mare. She is a black mare with spots on her rump that sunburns easily. We have not been able to find anything that has helped it. What do you recommend to help it heal?
Snakebite Woes
Q. My mare's personality seems to have changed since a rattlesnake bite six years ago. She seems less people-friendly and less energetic. Is it from some sort of facial nerve damage from the bite? Have you heard of long-term effects from a snake bite?
Dealing with Old Injuries
Q. I have a 20-year-old Quarter Horse that is in top working condition, worked daily in basic dressage, and he is always happy to jump whatever I ask him to. However, before I purchased him, he had a deep wound in his offside flank. It’s long been healed, but it has left a star-shaped scar. He is very supple on his near side, but his hip is stiffer on the wounded side. Could this be from old
